View Full Version : Ebert, trades and our midfield next year
A thought out of left field here. With Ebert obviously already a cut above SANFL level, Salopek making an impression in his first season (would have finished with about 12 games if not injured) and both only to have bodies stronger/harder (the main missing components of both atm), would Port be smart to try and trade Schofield at the end of this year ?
One of the two above (not forgetting a player called Josh Francou) could do worse then take his place. He's the most expendable of the older midfielders in my opinion and whilst he's (last couple of weeks aside) still doing a good job, we don't really want all our older midfielders (Josh, Roger, Schofield) all retiring together. I'd suggest it's the last year he'd have any real trade value before being considered too old. Would surely offer some salary cap relief as well allowing more to be thrown at Stevens to retain his presence or get a quality young defender.
Thoughts?
Porthos
17 Sep 2003, 10:37
Our older midfielders that you name have already reached an age where we will no longer get a value trade in return, in my opinion. Who would trade for Schofield? We'd be lucky to get a third round pick.
Having Salopek and Ebert ready does make trading Stevens a less destructive possibility, but with the uncertainty over Francou's return, who knows?
If we desperately need cap room, its blokes like Kingsley we need to offload, as we wouldn't be too concerned what we got in return at all.
I agree about offloading Kingsley. Whether we need to for the cap or not :D I wouldn't trade Schofield if Stevens goes. Just rating him as the most expendable (assuming all want to stay) of our midfielders.
Starting this two ( :D ) weeks early, but :
Retirements
Paxman
If we win the flag then Che-CC should be added to this list, otherwise he's one of our few consistent big (read finals) games players and hold for one more year to that end.
Trades/Delisting if no trade can be made
Koula
Trade - hold if no decent trade can be made
Kingsley
Schofield (if Stevens stays), else hold
Hall
Morgan
Following players on last year to show have the goods to make it at AFL level (if not cut / traded this year ) -
Hall, Ackland, Morgan, Koula
Trade target no. 1. Young tall quality defender (or two).
No. 2. Young in and under midfielder - no receivers!
No. 3. Young ruckman.
Living in Vic. my knowledge of how the rookies have gone is almost nil so I won't comment on who should be kept, elevated to main list or cut from the rookie list.
Well that's how I see it anyway. Other opinions ?
There will definitely be forced changes this off-season, as Ebert is guaranteed a position in our Round 1 22, with Salopek 90% likely to take a spot also. So basically we need have to make a choice between the likes of Schofield, Kingsley or Guerra, Cassisi. I hope we go with the latter. Sustainable growth, baby.
Beffery
17 Sep 2003, 13:28
Originally posted by Porthos
If we desperately need cap room, its blokes like Kingsley we need to offload, as we wouldn't be too concerned what we got in return at all.
:eek: Our secret weapon?! Primed for mass destruction.. hrm, perhaps we should trade him! ;)
Porthos
17 Sep 2003, 13:45
Originally posted by Beffery
:eek: Our secret weapon?! Primed for mass destruction.. hrm, perhaps we should trade him! ;) He can still win the Norm Smith - think of his trade value then!
_espoir
17 Sep 2003, 14:52
i would rather keep schoey, than kingsley.
Francou- will he be as good as he was? thats the main worrying factor, how long will it take? Yet we have many many midfielders covering his spot, even if stevens moves to collingwood (shrugs)
I agree with the trades, likes of Koula/Morgan/Hall.
As for Che, you think he'll retire? or will the club push the factor? some games he is a fab player, sometimes he isnt. Form is up and down.
Originally posted by _espoir
As for Che, you think he'll retire? or will the club push the factor? some games he is a fab player, sometimes he isnt. Form is up and down.
That's why I qualified it. Che's hot and cold, but has done well in our finals. That's been all too much a rarity, so if we don't go all the way I'd hold him for just that reason on a one year contract next year. If we go all the way, he can be retired/delisted, having gone out in style.
If Che can force his way into the best 22 in a crunch match then there is no way he will be discarded.
Anyway, I don't want to think about this while we are seriously alive and kicking in this year's competition!
Porthos
17 Sep 2003, 22:25
Originally posted by portly
If Che can force his way into the best 22 in a crunch match then there is no way he will be discarded.
Anyway, I don't want to think about this while we are seriously alive and kicking in this year's competition! I know what you mean. Two weeks isn't long to wait for this stuff, its the following six months that'll drag on.
VIC POWER
18 Sep 2003, 06:19
Originally posted by _espoir
....Francou- will he be as good as he was? thats the main worrying factor, how long will it take? ......
Have some respect for the integrity and determination of Francou to once again DOMINATE the centre... Lade returned ....broken leg TWICE.......Wilson returned ....blown knee TWICE.....:cool:
_espoir
18 Sep 2003, 09:47
Originally posted by VIC POWER
Have some respect for the integrity and determination of Francou to once again DOMINATE the centre... Lade returned ....broken leg TWICE.......Wilson returned ....blown knee TWICE.....:cool:
i have a lot of respect:rolleyes: